Festival time – enjoy and be smart

The summer holidays are finally here, with plenty of concerts and festivals lined up for the coming months, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising people not to gamble with their health through drug and alcohol use.
Owen O’Neill, the PHA’s Lead on Alcohol and Drugs, said: “Some people will have a lot drink to while out enjoying themselves and they may also choose to take drugs, putting themselves at risk. The reality is that festivals are not a good place to take drugs for the first time.”
Owen said that those who are under the influence are more likely to have accidents, wander off on their own, or argue with friends.
“It is important to think about the night ahead in advance. Know where you are going, how much money you need and how you will travel home. It is also important to stay close to your friends and to look after each other.
Here are a few tips on enjoying alcohol sensibly should you choose to drink:

• Always look after yourself and know what your limits are;
• It is a good idea to mix alcohol with non-alcoholic drinks and food;
• Don't drink on an empty stomach or mix alcohol with drugs, including prescription drugs;
• If a friend does drink too much, don't leave them alone or let them wander off, rather, encourage them to drink water or soft drinks.

If you choose to take drugs over the summer, keep these points in mind to reduce the risks associated with drug misuse:
• Festivals are not a good place to take drugs for the first time;
• If you do decide to take drugs, reduce the risk to your health and safety by finding out as much as you can about the effects of different drugs and then decide if it’s really worth it;
• It is particularly dangerous to take drugs if you:

o are on your own;
o are ill, very tired or depressed;
o are on medication;
o have taken alcohol;
o have a medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, mental illness or heart disease.
• It’s not a good idea to take other drugs to help you come down as this increases the risk of overdose. Downers are particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol;
• Mixing alcohol and drugs, or different types of drugs, can be dangerous and should be avoided;
• Be careful if buying/ accepting drugs from someone you don’t know. Are you sure you know exactly what drug you are getting and whether there is anything else mixed in with it?
• Make sure your friends are aware of which drug you are taking and vice versa.
“If you have taken alcohol and or drugs at a concert or festival and are feeling unwell, please seek help,” added Owen.
For further information on alcohol and drugs go to the following websites: www.knowyourlimits.info , www.talktofrank.com, www.drugs.ie